Hip Dysplasia

Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Specialists located in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Palisades and Los Angeles, CA

The pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics, Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, and Thomas Grogan, MD, provide care for a full spectrum of hip pathology at all ages, from newborns diagnosed with hip dysplasia at birth to children with missed diagnoses. If you think your child may have hip dysplasia, call the kid-friendly office at Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics near the Brentwood neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, or request an appointment online today.

310-828-5441

Hip Dysplasia Q & A

What is hip dysplasia?

If your child has hip dysplasia, that means their hip joint didn’t form properly, so it doesn’t work the way it should. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, in which the round head of the thigh bone normally fits snugly into the hip socket. Children with hip dysplasia have shallow hip sockets, which may cause the thigh bone to slip out and dislocate.

Hip dysplasia is usually present at birth. In rare cases, this condition may develop after birth or remain unnoticed for several years. Dr. Koenig and his team provide comprehensive care for the full range of childhood hip disorders, including teens and young adults who later have problems resulting from childhood hip dysplasia.

How do I know if my child has hip dysplasia?

Your primary pediatrician should check your baby for signs of hip dysplasia after birth and during their routine well-baby visits. However, mild cases of hip dysplasia may not cause symptoms until later in life. Signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

One leg is longer than another
One hip joint is less flexible than the other
Limping in children who can walk

Limping, stiffness, and limited range of motion are also symptoms of other childhood hip disorders, such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. It’s important to see Dr. Koenig and his team for an accurate diagnosis any time you suspect a problem with your child’s joints.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Koenig performs a physical exam and asks you to describe your child’s symptoms and medical history. He may have one of his friendly technicians take an on-site X-ray to help diagnose hip dysplasia. Dr. Koenig and his team use fast, efficient, and low-radiation digital X-ray equipment.

Then, he develops an individualized treatment plan based on your child’s age and the severity of their hip dysplasia. Newborns under six months old may improve with a soft cast, while older babies or those with severe dysplasia may need surgery to reposition the hip.

Sometimes, treatment fails. Other times, young adults start experiencing hip problems as a result of years of damage from untreated hip dysplasia. In these cases, hip replacement may be the best option. Dr. Koenig is trained in minimally invasive anterior approach hip replacement.

For expert care of hip dysplasia and related conditions, call the office of Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, or request an appointment online today.

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